Breakthrough T1D Community Summits
The Breakthrough T1D Community Summit is a free educational and networking opportunity for all those impacted by type 1 diabetes (T1D). We are bringing together the T1D community to learn about the latest research advancements for T1D, connect with others impacted by T1D, enjoy refreshments, and meet with national diabetes partners at our vendor fair.
We have two Community Summits happening soon!
Breakthrough T1D Community Summit: Phoenix
March 11, 2026
6 pm – 8 pm
Phoenix Children’s Hospital Conference Center
We’re pleased to announce our keynote speaker is Deepta Bhattacharya, Ph.D.! Dr. Bhattacharya is the inaugural executive director of the Center for Advanced Molecular and Immunological Therapies and he will share about guiding curative treatments for T1D past the immune system.
Click here for more information and to register.
Breakthrough T1D Community Summit: Tucson
April 22, 2026
6 pm – 8 pm
Tucson Medical Center, Marshall Conference Center
We’re pleased to announce our keynote speaker is Hannah Pizzato, Ph.D.! Dr. Pizzato is a principal scientist at the Center for Advanced Molecular and Immunological Therapies (CAMI) at the University of Arizona. She will share about overcoming barriers to beta cell replacement therapy for T1D.
Click here for more information and to register.
T1D Adult Connection
Trivia Night
March 20, 2026
6 pm
Breakthrough T1D Desert West Office
Join us for trivia night! Come venture through the decades during trivia night while enjoying refreshments and meeting other adults with T1D. Plus ones are welcome to join.
For more information and to RSVP, click here.
T1D Adult Connection is a social group for adults (18+) with T1D. Join us as we connect with other adults with T1D through fun activities, sharing experiences, and building a supportive community where adults with T1D thrive together.
For the full calendar of events, click here.
Type 1 Talk: T1D at Work
March 26, 2026
6 – 8 pm
Breakthrough T1D Desert West Office
Join us for Type 1 Talk: T1D at Work, a conversation about navigating T1D in the workplace. Connect with others who understand, hear real experiences, and gain practical tips for managing T1D at work.
Promise Ball Gala Committee Kickoff
March 26, 2026
6:30 pm
Breakthrough T1D Desert West Office Building, 3rd Floor Conference Room
The Breakthrough T1D Promise Ball Gala is one of our most inspiring nights of the year—a celebration filled with hope, determination, and progress toward cures for T1D. This unforgettable event is powered by passionate volunteers, and we’d love for you to be part of making it happen. Join us at our Committee Kickoff Social to connect, get inspired, and help launch this year’s Gala season!
Together, we can create a Breakthrough T1D Promise Ball Gala that reflects the strength of our community and brings us closer to a world without T1D.
For more information and to RSVP, click here.
Teen Meetup
March 29, 2026
12 – 2 pm
Raising Cane’s North Dobson Rd, Mesa
Join us for a teen meetup, a social group for teens ages 13-17 with T1D! This is the perfect opportunity to play games, meet other teens who understand, and enjoy food (provided).
For more information and to RSVP, click here.
Bashas’ March Donation Campaign
Through the month of March, visit your local Bashas’ Supermarkets & Food City stores in Arizona! Donate at the register to help raise critical funds for T1D research.
For more information and to find your local stores, click here.
Breakthrough T1D Walk
Arizona
April 18, Sloan Park
The Breakthrough T1D Walk, Arizona brings together thousands to support a brighter future for those with T1D. It’s a chance for individuals, families, businesses, and communities to make a real impact.
More information & register your team here.
If you’re an adult with T1D, there are two special opportunities for you and your supporters!
- Learn about the Adult Meetup at the Walk here.
- Join the Arizona T1D Adults Walk Team here. A team created by an adult with T1D, for adults with T1D.
We can’t wait to walk with you!
Breakthrough T1D Ride
Join us for the Breakthrough T1D Ride, the perfect place for riders of all skill levels! Ride is more than a cycling event. It is a community, a mission, and an opportunity to join the movement to cure T1D.
2026 registration is open!
- La Crosse, WI: August 13-16, 2026
- The Cascades, WA: August 27-30, 2026
- Cape Cod, MA: September 24-27, 2026
- Austin, TX: October 29-November 1, 2026
- Amelia Island, FL: December 3-6, 2026
- MY RIDE: Your Ride, Your Way, Your Day
Pick your journey here: Ride.BreakthroughT1D.org
For questions or more information about Breakthrough T1D Ride opportunities, contact Sara Nicastro.
Community Stories
Don’t miss these incredible community stories from February!
See Alex, See T1D: The Unseen Work Behind the Sensor
How Elyse Turned T1D Into Action, From Diagnosis to “Your Way”
Interested in sharing your story? Reach out to the Desert West Chapter at DesertWest@BreakthroughT1D.org or complete this form.